Welder Salary in Sherwood, AR: $47,931 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Sherwood, AR earns a median $47,931/year (≈ $23.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Sherwood's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $55,157 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Sherwood, Arkansas, can expect a median annual salary of $47,931, which is notably below the national median of $55,895. This discrepancy highlights the local economic landscape, where salaries range from $34,407 at the lower end to $68,458 for more experienced or specialized roles. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for cost of living, reflect the nuances in pay that can arise from the different types of welding work performed. Traveling welders, particularly in pipe welding, often benefit from favorable tax structures and per-diem allowances that can significantly enhance their earnings compared to those working in local shops. In Sherwood, market demand and skilled trades access can influence job availability for welders, making it essential for professionals to stay informed about current industry trends.
About the Sherwood Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,407 | $16.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,624 | $20.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,931 | $23.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,398 | $27.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,458 | $32.91 |
Median Salary Position
14.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sherwood
In Sherwood, AR, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,051 (2026 est.). At $47,931, the local median is 14.25% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sherwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sherwood Welder Pay Compares
Sherwood median: $47,931/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sherwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $49,312 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -14.25% less |
Welders in Sherwood, AR earn a median of $47,931 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.25% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.80% below the Arkansas state average of $49,312.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sherwood has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sherwood, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $47,931 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $55,157 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,436
2025 BLS Actual
$46,092
2026 Current Est.
$47,931
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Sherwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,436 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,894 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,312 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,767 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,967 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,092 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,931 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,844 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sherwood metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $36,436 (2019) to $46,092 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,844 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,408 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sherwood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $34,407 – $42,624 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,624 – $47,931 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,931 – $56,398 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,398 – $68,458 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Sherwood
Within Sherwood's welding job market, only seven welders are currently employed, suggesting a limited but potentially steady demand for their skills. With a cost-of-living index of 86.9, the purchasing power of welders in the area may offer a comfortable lifestyle, albeit with lower salaries compared to national averages. Employers in local sectors such as structural steel fabrication, manufacturing plants, and pipeline construction are likely to vary in their compensation structures. Factors such as certification level—especially the coveted 6G certification—and specialty skills like underwater welding dramatically affect pay rates. To maximize earnings, welders can seek opportunities in the oil and gas sectors or consider relocating for traveling positions, as per-diem can add significantly to base pay. Overall, staying current with certifications and expanding skill sets will provide welders in Sherwood with leverage in this dynamic job market.
More salary data for Sherwood, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $46,092 for weldersin the Sherwood metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sherwood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov